A lioness in captivity at a zoo in Chicago killed a worker on Friday mauling him as he entered the animal’s enclosure to prepare for a show officials said.
The worker identified as 36-year-old Francisco E. Ibanez-Estrada was pronounced dead at the scene the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. He worked for a company contracted by the zoo to provide animal training services.
The 10-year-old lioness named Nala was one of two that perform in “The Living Sea” a show about ocean conservation at the zoo’s Regenstein Center for African Apes.
In a statement the zoo said that the lioness had been separated from the other animal in her enclosure and was inside her holding area when the trainer entered. The zoo did not immediately say how the trainer had been killed.
“All of us at Lincoln Park Zoo are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague” the zoo’s president and chief executive Kevin Bell said in the statement.
The fire department said it had received a call around 11:15 a.m. local time about a person who had been attacked by an animal.
The trainer was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was pronounced dead the medical examiner’s office said.
Mr. Ibanez-Estrada was originally from Jalisco Mexico and had worked at the zoo for about six months his family told The Chicago Tribune. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
The zoo said it would remain closed on Friday but would reopen on Saturday.
This is the first time that a person has been killed by an animal at the zoo which opened in 1868 according to the zoo’s website.
In 2016 a worker at a wildlife park in England was killed by a tiger after entering its enclosure.
Why did the lion eat the tightrope walker?
There are many possible explanations for why the lion ate the tightrope walker. It could be that the lion was simply hungry and saw the tightrope walker as an easy meal. Alternatively the lion may have been acting out of aggression or territoriality seeing the tightrope walker as a potential threat. It is also possible that the lion was simply curious and wanted to explore the tightrope walker’s strange appearance. Whatever the reason it is clear that the lion’s actions were deadly serious and resulted in the tragic death of the tightrope walker.
Why did the lion eat the tightrope walker?
The lion was likely attracted to the tightrope walker because they were in close proximity and the lion was hungry.
How often do lions eat?
Lions typically eat every two to three days but this can vary depending on the availability of prey.
What else besides tightrope walkers do lions eat?
Lions are carnivores and will eat a variety of different animals including zebra wildebeest antelope and buffalo.
Do tightrope walkers typically get eaten by lions?
No tightrope walkers do not typically get eaten by lions.
This was a rare occurrence.
How did the lion kill the tightrope walker?
The lion likely killed the tightrope walker by biting their neck and suffocating them.
How long can a lion go without eating?
A lion can go without eating for up to two weeks but will typically start to feel weak and ill after about a week without food.
What do lions typically hunt in packs?
Lions typically hunt in packs for larger animals such as zebra wildebeest and buffalo.
How much can a lion eat in one sitting?
A lion can eat up to 60 pounds of meat in one sitting.
What did the circus officials do when they found out a lion had eaten one of their tightrope walkers?
The circus officials likely contacted the police and animal control to report the incident and to have the lion removed from the circus.
Will the lion be punished for eating the tightrope walker?
It is unlikely that the lion will be punished as this was likely a natural instincts.
The circus may have to pay for the loss of the tightrope walker however.
How many members are in a typical lion pride?
A typical lion pride consists of about 15 members.
How many males and females are in a typical lion pride?
A typical lion pride consists of about equal numbers of males and females.
What is the primary role of females in a lion pride?
The primary role of females in a lion pride is to raise the young.
What is the primary role of males in a lion pride?
The primary role of males in a lion pride is to protect the pride and to hunt for food.
Do all members of a lion pride participate in hunts?
No not all members of a lion pride participate in hunts.
typically it is only the males that participate in hunts.
